Principal – Koinonia Christian School Red Deer & Emmaus Learning Community
Location: Red Deer, Alberta
Position Type: Full-Time Leadership
Start Date: August 24, 2026
About Us
Koinonia Christian School Red Deer Society exists to partner with Christian families in the discipleship and education of children. Through multiple educational pathways, we seek to help students flourish academically, spiritually, and personally as they are equipped to Transform, Renew, and Serve in the world for Christ.
Our authority operates two distinct but connected school programs:
Koinonia Christian School Red Deer Society
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Koinonia Christian School Red Deer – A K–12 independent Christian school offering Alberta curriculum-based education within a Christ-centered learning environment.
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Emmaus Learning Community – A Designated Special Education Program School (DSEPS) serving students with diverse learning needs through individualized programming and specialized supports.
Together, these schools serve a diverse student body through distinct programming models united by a shared commitment to Christian discipleship, educational excellence, and strong family partnerships.
Position Summary
The Principal provides spiritual, instructional, and operational leadership for both Koinonia Christian School Red Deer and Emmaus Learning Community. This role requires a mission-driven leader who can effectively oversee two unique educational environments while building a unified culture centered on student growth, staff development, and Christian formation.
The successful candidate will lead with wisdom, humility, and clarity while ensuring both schools operate in alignment with Alberta Education requirements, the school authority's mission, and the Alberta Education Leadership Quality Standard (LQS).
Key Responsibilities
Spiritual Leadership
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Model a vibrant and authentic Christian faith consistent with the school's statement of faith
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Demonstrate a clear Christian testimony and active involvement in a local evangelical church
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Foster a Christ-centered school culture where faith is integrated into learning, relationships, and decision-making
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Support discipleship initiatives for students, staff, and families
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Lead chapel programming and spiritual formation efforts across both schools
Instructional Leadership-
Lead teaching and learning excellence aligned with Alberta curriculum requirements
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Ensure compliance with the Alberta Education Leadership Quality Standard (LQS) and support teacher growth aligned with the Teaching Quality Standard (TQS)
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Oversee instructional supervision, classroom observations, staff evaluations, and professional growth plans
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Use student achievement and wellness data to improve outcomes
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Support differentiated instruction and specialized learning strategies within Emmaus Learning Community
Special Education Leadership-
Provide oversight for individualized programming, inclusion strategies, and specialized supports within Emmaus
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Ensure DSEPS compliance requirements are met
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Collaborate with families, specialists, and staff to support students with complex learning needs
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Oversee documentation, funding requirements, and accountability processes related to specialized programming
Operational Leadership-
Oversee daily school operations, staffing, scheduling, and student discipline
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Support enrollment growth and family retention initiatives
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Collaborate with the Executive Principal and leadership team on strategic initiatives
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Ensure effective communication with parents, students, and staff
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Maintain compliance with Alberta Education policies, safety requirements, and independent school regulations
Community Leadership-
Build strong partnerships with parents, churches, donors, and community stakeholders
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Represent the schools professionally within the broader Christian education community
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Help advance long-term organizational vision and growth initiatives
Qualifications
Required:
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Active Alberta teaching certification (or eligibility for certification)
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Leadership Certification
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Minimum 5 years of successful school leadership experience
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Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing school operations
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Strong understanding of Alberta curriculum and educational accountability requirements
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Proven ability to lead with organizational clarity and relational wisdom
Preferred:
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Master's degree in Education or currently working toward completion of a Master's degree
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Experience in Christian education leadership
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Experience in special education and/or inclusive learning environments
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Familiarity with DSEPS programming requirements
Leadership Competencies
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the competencies outlined in Alberta's Leadership Quality Standard, including:
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Fostering effective relationships
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Leading a learning community
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Providing instructional leadership
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Managing school operations and resources
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Supporting inclusive education
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Building leadership capacity in others
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Understanding and responding to societal context
The Ideal Candidate Is…
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Deeply committed to Christian education as a ministry calling
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A strong communicator who can inspire confidence among families and staff
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Organized and capable of leading complex school operations
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Experienced in both strategic thinking and day-to-day execution
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Passionate about discipleship, student growth, and educational innovation
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit:
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Cover letter
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Resume/CV
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Statement of Christian faith/testimony
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Philosophy of Christian education
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Three professional references
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One pastoral reference
Please send applications to:
Gregg McNeil, Executive Principal
[email protected]
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Join Us
This is an opportunity to lead two unique schools with meaningful impact. If you are passionate about shaping students who will Transform, Renew, and Serve, we would love to hear from you.